We were leaving Washington DC today. We packed up and Chris left after breakfast to go to a Renaissance Hotel that had a Hertz Rental to pick up a car. They messed up and gave our larger vehicle away over the weekend. Chris sat waiting for at least 45 minutes before they found a suitable option for us. Kind of slowed us down for the day. While waiting, Misha and I signed up for the free 9-11 Memorial Museum tickets for Tuesday afternoon in New York City. They had a small window of time for free tickets--Tuesday at 5:00, 5:30, or 6:00 pm--otherwise it was a pay museum. We were fortunate to get tickets at 5 pm. I think Chris had hoped for later, but it turned out that we could have spent more time there since it closed at 8 pm.
But back to Monday morning. We were waiting and waiting for Chris. He finally texted that he was on his way and we met him down by the minuscule loading area in front of the hotel. He had been given a smaller Jeep SUV. We CRAMMED all of our luggage in to it. It was not very conducive to our size of family plus luggage. We made it work though with backpacks stowed under our feet. We used Google Maps to navigate our way out of the city onto US Highway 50 toward Annapolis. Our first stop took us onto exit 24. The exit forked and up until the last second Chris was asking "Which way is it?" as the arrows on the sign were covered with leaves. At the last second before we were committed to the left lane, we could see the arrow toward Annapolis pointing to the right. Chris quickly swung over. Whew.
Old town Annapolis was so fun with its beautiful buildings and cobbled streets, though some of those streets were one way only and made navigating a challenge. Amy wanted to stop at the US Naval Academy. She has always had an interest in the military (especially those that might train her to fly an F-16!). We had to go through security to get onto the base, but once there, Amy was enthralled.
We took pictures with Chesapeake Bay in the background.
Leaving Annapolis, we traveled on RT 97 North toward Baltimore, MD and then on to Philadelphia, PA. We passed by the Baltimore Harbor where the War of 1812 was fought and Francis Scott Key penned "The Star Spangled Banner" and then on through Delaware. We tried to make a stop for lunch at a rest stop with a food court. The lines were so long that we opted for quickly-purchased pretzels and to continue on.
We were trying to make a 3:00 pm tour of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Sadly, we missed it. Trying to navigate through town was crazy with all of the one way streets and tourists galore. We tried to get later tickets for the Independence Hall tour, but they had all been given out for the day. Boo.
We did get to see The Liberty Bell and toured through the small museum there. We checked out the Courthouse, but since we had missed the other tour, we decided to continue on our way toward our friend's house--Polsons. Polsons had moved from Colorado last year. They were good friends and we were so sad to see them go.
We made a quick passing tour of the Philadelphia temple. It will be finished a week before the Ft. Collins temple.
As we followed Google's navigation out of the city, it took us on a windy road paralleling Fairmount Park and river. It was beautiful. I wanted to stop and take pictures of the amazing vine-covered bridges, but it was just a two-lane road without any good pull off areas.
While we drove, Kristen sang. She loves to sing. It was annoying to her sisters, but it's just her. Misha loves quiet. Misha can shush anyone or anything. Misha only took so much noise before she began to snap at Kristen. The fighting ensued. Chris can only handle so much fighting and was quick to say, "The only way I can separate you two is to leave one of you here." He pointed to the side of the rode. Misha was quick to respond, "Nose goes."
Chris: "We have an hour's drive until we get to Polson's. Get along!"
Polsons live in a beautiful part of Pennsylvania with windy roads and abundant greenery. We enjoyed the amazing scenery and marveled that it must be stunning in the Fall. We arrived at their home late in the afternoon as they were returning from walking their dog. It was humid and raining. The girls were kind enough to give up their rooms for all of us and we were glad to be stopped for the evening. Allie had done an amazing job decorating their home. It looked to be straight out of a Restoration Hardware catalog. Beautiful. I got started on laundry while we had dinner. Delicious by the way.
The kids headed off in different directions to hang out while the adults sat on the couch to talk and reminisce. Chris helped Nolan get his sound system set up in the living room. After awhile the kids came to find us asking about going for ice cream and water ice (pronounced wooder ice). My last load of wash had about 17 minutes left, so we asked them to wait until I got my load into the dryer and then we could go.
The servings at the Hickory Shack were huge. Kristen order a larger water ice and it was huge. I stuck with small and that was just the right amount, though I probably would have been better off getting nothing at all.
The kids returned to the house with Madi driving while we drove to a cool, lighted covered bridge that had been move to a final resting spot in a park. As we drove up, Nolan commented how idyllic it was, like a movie, with boys playing a baseball game under the lights next to the lighted covered bridge.
I have always wanted to see the covered bridges. Another bucket list check.
It started to mist lightly as we returned to Polson's home. Sawyer was off to bed, and the four younger girls--Misha, Bella, Kristen, and Haddie--watched a movie up in the girls' rooms. Madi and Amy went downstairs and commandeered the big tv.
It was midnight when I was exhausted and figured we ought to get the girls going to bed. At least the four upstairs. Madi and Amy could choose to stay up if they wished, though I don't think they stayed up too long. I got my last load of laundry out of the dryer and headed upstairs to shoo kids to bed. So glad to reconnect with great friends.
